Someone who seeks serious pain management or wants to get high often turns to an opioid. These substances may include heroin, prescription pain medication, or morphine. Opioids impact the brain, impairing its ability to function and produce specific chemicals, quickly leading to cravings and dependence. The only way to return to its original functioning is to go through withdrawal. Attending our Pennsylvania opioid detox center could be the next step for those in PA and environs and wishes to kick opioids to the curb.
Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) offers professional detox from opioids and other drugs. If you have any questions about the signs of opioid withdrawal or how to access evidence-based treatment for opioid addiction, reach out today. Call 888.546.2579 or complete and submit our online form.
Why Should You Seek a Professional Detox Program?
Opioids include opiates, drugs produced from the poppy plant, such as morphine and heroin, and synthetic opioids, like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Some are legal and prescribed by doctors, and some are illegal. Legal opioids and opiates for which you might get a prescription for pain include Oxycontin (oxycodone), Vicodin (hydrocodone), and morphine. Illegal opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and morphine are accessed illegally.
Millions of people worldwide abuse opioids. When they are ready to stop the cycle of addiction and seek recovery, they must go through detoxification first. Detox means that you stop using the drug, causing the body to go into withdrawal. This term encompasses the range of effects on the mind and body when someone addicted to a drug stops using it. Doing this under medical supervision is the safest option.
Withdrawal is never pleasant. However, the side effects can range in severity depending on the average dose at the time of cessation and the duration of the period of abuse. Side effects can be dangerous, almost always painful and disorienting, and include previously unrecognized co-occurring disorders. For these reasons, PAATC recommends a professional, medically managed drug detox program.
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
The onset of opioid withdrawal symptoms varies depending on which opioid you are using. Withdrawal from short-acting opioids, such as heroin and some painkillers, begins sometime after eight hours beyond the last use and can continue for five to six days. Withdrawal symptoms from a longer-acting opioid, like morphine and oxycodone, may not emerge for as many as four days but can endure for up to ten days.
Signs of opioid withdrawal can include both physical and emotional/behavioral symptoms. Some of the most common include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fever
- Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
- Chills and sweating
- Tremors
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety or paranoia
Because of the risks of withdrawal from opioids, you must undergo withdrawal under the careful, professional supervision of a doctor and medical support team. Your ongoing treatment in rehab depends on a successful detox. At PAATC, we help you withdraw safely under the care of compassionate experts.
Benefits of Professional Opioid Detox Services
Under supervision in a medically equipped and secure setting, there is a range of benefits of professional opioid detox services, such as:
- Pain mitigation – Medications administered by medical providers help with pain management. We don’t want you to suffer unduly as you begin your recovery journey.
- Safety – We can address any medical or mental health disorders, previously undiagnosed, that emerge during detox. Your safety is our primary objective.
- Adaptable treatment – Because we monitor you around the clock, your care team can adjust at the moment to any changes in your symptoms.
- Long-term success – Inpatient medical detox often results in better outcomes in the long term. Your recovery is important to us.
Learn More About Signs of Opioid Withdrawal at PAATC
The PAATC team of professionals understands addiction, withdrawal, treatment, and how best to start you on your journey. That includes the vital part that medical opioid detox plays at the beginning of your recovery.
Our caring and compassionate team will provide you with 24/7 support and evidence-based care as you undergo this challenging but necessary and brief part of your recovery. Please reach out to us today if you have any questions about withdrawal, medical detox, and opioid addiction treatment at PAATC. Call today at 888.546.2579 or fill out our online form.
